| A series of oligoanilines were synthesized using copper-mediated Ullmann condensation and palladium-catalyzed aromatic amination reactions. These oligomers were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrical conductivity measurements.; The free radical polymerization of monomers containing oligoaniline side chains was investigated. Monomers containing short oligoanilines were directly polymerized, while the protection of secondary amines was crucial for the successful polymerization of monomers containing long oligoaniline side chains. Polymerization proceeded normally when acetyl and tert-butoxycarbonyl groups were used as blocking groups. However, the properties (e.g., solubility, thermal stability and ease of deprotection) of the resulting polymers were different. Electronic absorption and electrochemical properties of the polymers containing oligoaniline side chains were investigated. These properties were dependent on the nature of the oligoaniline side chains and were not affected by the polymer backbone.; Monomers containing oligoaniline side chains were incorporated into copolymers. Polymer properties such as glass transition temperature were adjusted through copolymer composition. The electroactivity of the side chains were observed through the entire composition range.; The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of monomers containing oligoaniline side chains was investigated for the first time. Through careful selection of RAFT agents, polymers of controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity were obtained. This may be a new method to synthesize electroactive polymers with different architectures and morphologies. |
